The Independent's health editor, Rebecca Thomas, has been awarded health journalist of the year at the Press Awards 2026 for the second year running. The judges praised her investigative work, which exposed serious failings in healthcare services and led to tangible changes.
Ms Thomas's reporting included an investigation into a rapist NHS mental health nurse who was allowed to work with vulnerable patients for a year despite police warnings. Her work also covered the deaths of three disabled children at The Children's Trust and the case of Nicholas Thornton, an autistic man who regained his ability to speak after her reporting helped secure his rehousing in the community.
The judges commended Ms Thomas for her ability to expose wrongdoing and create real-life impact. 'Rebecca's work demonstrates what every journalist hopes to achieve: exposing wrongdoing, standing up for the most vulnerable in society to affect real-life impact and lasting change,' they said.
Reacting to her win, Ms Thomas said: 'It's a huge honour to win. Thank you so much to those who trusted the Indy to tell their stories and the editors that helped bring the stories to life.' Her investigation into the Nursing and Midwifery Council revealed regulatory gaps and prompted independent reviews at two NHS hospitals.
The Independent also saw success in other categories, with chief international correspondent Bel Trew shortlisted for foreign reporter of the year and global travel editor Annabel Grossman nominated for travel journalist of the year. The publication's Brick by Brick campaign, which raised funds for housing for women fleeing domestic abuse, was shortlisted for campaign of the year.
